The road to Gas Drive Cup begins Thursday, March 9, for the Okotoks Oilers as they renew their rivalry with the Camrose Kodiaks.

Oilers forward Trey deGraaf says despite not finishing higher in the standings like they wanted to, this best of five series is a good way to get into "big game mode."

"It can definitely help us, they're a hard nosed team and they play the game fast and physical so I think that will help us get into the playoff mode and hopefully we can take care of business," he says.

The Oilers (36-18-6) and Kodiaks (32-25-3) have never faced each other in the first round but have battled in the South Semi-Finals twice, in 2016, 2013 and once in the South Final in 2011.

Camrose has the edge in series wins including last season's 4-1 series win in the semi-finals.

deGraaf says one big key to success for the Oilers will be getting to Kodiaks goaltender Patrick Gora, who has seen over 100 shots in the past two contests against the Oilers.

"We know they've got a great goaltender he's been in the league a few years but if we can just get more pucks towards the net, the greater chance of them going in. We're not going to change much and just keep doing what we need to do to win."

The Oilers won the season series taking four of the six games, with three of the six regular season match-ups being decided by one goal.

deGraaf says they'll be looking for some revenge after last year.

"That was tough and that's kind of in the back of our minds for the guys that are back they ended our season last year so hopefully we can do the same to them this year kind of get back at them."

Game one of the best of five starts at 7 P.M.. at Pason Centennial Arena.

The full schedule is as follows:

Game 1 March 9, Camrose Vs. Okotoks 7 p.m.  @ Pason Centennial Arena
Game 2 March 10, Camrose Vs. Okotoks 7 p.m. @ Pason Centennial Arena
Game 3 March 12, Okotoks Vs. Camrose 7 p.m. @ EnCana Arena
Game 4 March 13, Okotoks Vs. Camrose 7 p.m. @ EnCana Arena **If Necessary**
Game 5 March 15, Camrose Vs. Okotoks 7 p.m. @ Pason Centennial Arena **If Necessary**